Barcelona name Deco as sporting director

Former Barcelona midfielder Deco is making a comeback to the club as their newly appointed sporting director.

The 45-year-old Portugal international, originally from Brazil, has inked a three-year contract with the Nou Camp.

Deco’s initial association with Barcelona began in 2004, when he transferred from Benfica. During his four-season tenure, he clinched La Liga titles twice and secured the 2006 Champions League victory.

Barca’s current director of football, Mateu Alemany, will exit upon the closing of the transfer window on September 1.

As per Barca’s announcement, Deco will oversee the club’s “sporting philosophy” and collaborate closely with manager Xavi and the coaching staff.

Barcelona intends to revamp their organizational structure in the background, with further details to be unveiled in the forthcoming weeks. The departure of former sporting director Jordi Cruyff took place in May.

Following his time in Spain, Deco also spent two seasons at Chelsea before concluding his career at Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.